Learning to love your laundry room

Vicki Clinebell majored in journalism at the University of Colorado, and headed an advertising agency before beginning a long career in broadcasting, spanning production and copywriting to sales and management for an ABC affiliate statio...

Laundry room love

It's simply more pleasant to do laundry in a cheerful and organized space! Spruce up your laundry room with a few easy changes.

Whether laundry is a chore that you just accept as something you have to do, or a satisfying ritual that brings a sense of calm and accomplishment to your day, it's easier to do your work in a space that makes you feel good. It doesn't take much time or money to spruce up your laundry room space and make it an organized and cheerful room that can brighten laundry days!

Clean and bright

Nothing lights up a room like a new coat of paint. A fresh slick of color can change the mood from dingy and utilitarian to warm and welcoming. Clear out the clutter and paint on some personality in a single day. Before you haul everything back in, take a good look at your storage situation and decide what you need to streamline and organize.

Add some pretty

Personalize your laundry space with some vintage prints, a displayed collection such as aprons or old household utensils in shadow boxes or add a little greenery with a lush plant in a pretty pot. Hand-painted cabinets, a stenciled border or bead board walls will contribute some style to the room. The laundry room should look good and be comfortably functional.

Organize

Put your supplies together and store them where they'll be most convenient, easily reachable on lower shelves or cabinets. A catchall holds loose change and small pocket items, and having kits for minor sewing repairs and stain removal right at hand saves time and frustration on laundry day. Decanting powder detergent into a glass container makes it easier to see when you're running low! Storage containers and shelf organizers house your back-up supplies neatly. Purchase items that will make laundry tasks simple: delicates bags that can be tossed in the washer and dryer to protect lacy items from fraying and snags, dryer balls that cut down on wrinkles, dry-cycle time and clothing lint and washing machine cleaner that keeps your appliance odor and mildew-free.

Storage

For very little money you can add needed storage that puts your laundry-day supplies conveniently at hand. In a small space, think vertically! Over-appliance shelves, wall-mounted racks, hanger caddies and ironing boards won't eat up space but will handily fold down when needed. Front-load washers and dryers can be raised to a comfortable working height on platforms with built-in storage -- no more bending, and the extra drawer space is always welcome.

Counter space for folding fresh clothes is ideal, but many laundry rooms are too small to accommodate them. If that's the situation in your room, a movable laundry cart could be the solution. Get one with a smooth top surface for folding and plenty of bins and cubbies for storage below. Portable carts roll in when you need them and can be tucked away in a corner when not in use.